USask Builds New Crop Research Facilities

Facilities will improve crop research and student training

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is developing two major agricultural research facilities worth $11.8 million: the Harrington Plant Growth Facility and the Soil Science Field Facility.

These facilities are located on the Saskatoon campus and will improve research and student training in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources and the Crop Development Centre (CDC).

“We are grateful to all of our partners and government supporters who have contributed to this important infrastructure project,” said USask President and Vice-Chancellor Peter Stoicheff. “These new facilities will be instrumental in advancing critical agricultural research and will set the stage for addressing global challenges as we aim to be the university the world needs.”

Along with this, the Crop Science Field Lab will be upgraded to provide more space for seed processing, storage, and lab work. These improvements aim to increase efficiency and meet the needs of crop researchers and producers.

The new Soil Science Field Facility will focus on soil health, fertility, Indigenous agriculture, and environmental issues like climate change. It will house drying, processing, and storage areas for soil and plant materials collected from research fields.

The project is supported by several partners, including $7 million from Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) and funding from the Saskatchewan Wheat, Barley, Oilseeds, and Cattle Commissions, along with support from BASF Canada and others. The Government of Saskatchewan is also contributing through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

“USask researchers are driving the discovery and innovation needed to feed the world,” said Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn (PhD), dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. “We are extremely grateful for this significant investment that will strengthen our research and teaching, and elevate our capacity to deliver the resilient crop varieties and soil research that are critical for a sustainable future.”

Construction is expected to finish by July 2026. USask says the facilities are part of its campaign to meet global agricultural needs through innovation and education.